Conflicts of Interest Are Eroding Trust in U.S. Health Agencies
Why has public trust in U.S. health agencies plummeted? Because conflicts of interest (COIs) have soared to unprecedented levels. FDA: Industry-Funded Oversight? At the Food and Drug Administration, skepticism over pharmaceutical influence dates back to the 1992 passage of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), which allowed drugmakers to fund FDA reviews. What followed […]
Are Quotas a Solution to Physician Shortages?
Are Quotas a Solution to Physician Shortages?: In 2019, Taylor Walker, a 25-year-old pregnant woman from a rural Nebraska town of fewer than 500 people, shared her story with NPR. After experiencing pregnancy complications, she had to make a four-hour round trip for medical care—only to find her doctor unavailable. She made that long journey […]
Rural Hospitals Are Disappearing—and Lives Are at Risk
The Crisis of Rural Health Care Rural Hospitals Are Disappearing: As a family medicine-trained doctor working in a rural emergency room, I know the toll that rural health care closures take—physically, emotionally, and on entire communities. I drive 90 minutes to work every day because if I don’t, no one will. The nearest hospital in […]
Independent Physicians and Bookstores: A Shared Story of Connection
A Simple Day in a Bookstore Independent Physicians and Bookstores: One of my most cherished memories is from when my daughter was just four years old. We spent an afternoon at a local independent bookstore, flipping through picture books adorned with puppies and kittens. I read to her, we joined a story circle, and neither […]
How Earth Day Can Inspire Better Health for Doctors and Patients
Earth Day: When I was a kid, my dad and I would hike the trail to Henninger Flats in Altadena, California. We’d sit at a wooden bench overlooking the San Gabriel Valley, sharing fruit and trail mix while trying to spot landmarks—Lake Avenue, Victory Park, maybe even our house tucked into the trees. After the […]
Key Compliance Deadline Approaching for the Corporate Transparency Act
The federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), which came into effect on January 1, 2024, establishes vital compliance requirements designed to combat financial crimes such as money laundering. Health care entities, including hospitals and physician practices, must fully understand their obligations under this law to avoid significant penalties, including daily fines and potential imprisonment. Who Does […]
CMA Urges Congress to Strengthen Surprise Billing Law Enforcement
The California Medical Association (CMA) is calling on Congress to bolster enforcement of the No Surprises Act (NSA), a pivotal federal billing law designed to shield patients from unexpected medical bills. Visit the California Medical Association to learn more about their advocacy efforts. This law also facilitates fair payment resolutions between health plans and physicians […]
CMA Physician Services Launches MedWay to Support Independent Physician Practices
Simplifying Practice Management for Physicians CMA Physician Services recently introduced MedWay, a groundbreaking service designed to alleviate administrative burdens for independent physician practices. This solution empowers physicians by streamlining critical tasks and enabling them to focus on delivering exceptional patient care. Key Features of MedWay To address the challenges faced by independent practices, it provides […]
Outgoing Lawmakers Recognized for Supporting Physician Priorities
A New Chapter in the California Legislature As the California legislature welcomes a new cohort of lawmakers on December 2, 2024, 30 Senators and Assemblymembers bid farewell, stepping away due to term limits, pursuing other offices, or choosing not to seek re-election. The California Medical Association (CMA) expresses its sincere gratitude to these outgoing lawmakers […]